Key facts
| Automates | Approvals, reminders, status updates, report generation, hand-offs between teams |
|---|---|
| Starting price | ₹1.5L–3.5L (Build) for one workflow |
| Typical range | ₹1.7L–₹2.4L with a couple of integrations |
| Timeline | 3–4 weeks for a first version |
| Ownership | Code and accounts belong to you; no per-task fees |
What is workflow automation?
It is the work that moves a task from one person to the next without anyone chasing it. A purchase request is raised, goes to the right approver, is reminded if it sits idle, and lands in the finance report. No copy-paste, no follow-up message.
Good targets are tasks that repeat, follow clear rules and involve more than one person.
Which workflows are worth automating first?
- Approvals for purchases, leave, discounts and expenses.
- Onboarding of a customer, vendor or employee, with the same checklist every time.
- Payment and delivery reminders to clients.
- Daily and weekly reports that someone assembles by hand.
- Lead assignment and follow-up reminders.
- Document collection, such as KYC or site paperwork.
Pick the one that wastes the most hours and has the clearest rules. Skip anything that depends on case-by-case judgement for now.
Zapier-style tool or custom workflow software?
| Question | Connector tools | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Moving data between apps you already use | A process with its own roles, approvals and records |
| Cost shape | Monthly fee that grows with the number of tasks | One-time build, then hosting |
| Approvals | Basic | Multi-step with named approvers and a history |
| Who sees what | Limited | Role-based access |
| Fit for your process | You adapt to the tool | The tool adapts to you |
| Ownership | Account stays with the vendor | You own code and data |
Many teams use both. Connectors move a lead from a form into the CRM. Custom software runs the approval workflow that follows. More on the trade-off in low-code versus custom software.
What does workflow automation software cost in India?
| Scope | Example | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build: one flow | One approval or reminder flow, 1–2 roles, a log | ₹1.5L–₹2.5L | 3–4 weeks |
| Build: linked flows | Several linked flows, WhatsApp or email alerts, reports | ₹2.5L–₹3.5L | 3–4 weeks |
| Platform | Company-wide workflows across departments and systems | ₹3.5L–₹8L | First release in 5–8 weeks, then phases |
The biggest drivers are the number of roles, the number of systems it must talk to, and how many exceptions the rules must handle. The estimator gives a range from your inputs.
How do you roll it out without upsetting the team?
- Write down the current process exactly as it happens, not as it should.
- Automate the boring middle, not the judgement calls.
- Show the prototype to the people who do the work, and change it based on what they say.
- Run the old and the new way together for a week or two.
- Switch over, and review exceptions after a month.
The first week of any Neyven project is a clickable prototype for this reason. You can read the full method on how we build.
Where does AI fit in workflow automation?
Rules handle the predictable parts. AI helps where the input is messy: reading a scanned invoice, sorting a free-text request. We add it as a step inside the workflow, with a person reviewing uncertain results. AI agents for SMBs covers what works.
Frequently asked questions
Can it send WhatsApp reminders?
Yes, through the WhatsApp Business API. The provider's message fees are separate.
Can it work with Tally or Zoho?
Often through exports or APIs. We confirm in the scope.
What if the rules change?
Rules live in the code and settings, and we document where. Changes can be done by us or any developer.
Do we need to replace our existing software?
No. We can automate around what you use and replace only the parts that hold you back.
How do I know it saves time?
We pick one measurable thing, such as hours per week on a report, and check it at acceptance.